Detroit Boat Club on Belle Isle could become a hotel; See what's there to work with

DETROIT, MI - A Hong Kong-based businessman wants to transform the dilapidated Detroit Boat Club building on Belle Isle into a boutique hotel.

Columnist Nolan Finley with The Detroit News reports Thursday that Jimmy Lai has proposed the $40 million project. Mark Simon, Lai's representative, says the riverfront in Detroit "is spectacular." Docks at the building on the island park also would be restored.

The building is home to the Detroit Boat Club, a rowing group. Simon says the rowers would be allowed to stay.

The state is taking over the city-owned park under a lease imposed by Detroit Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr. The move is expected to save the city between $4 million and $6 million a year. Starting Feb. 10, there will be a $11-per-car annual fee to Belle Isle.